In 1983, India were grouped alongside Australia, Zimbabwe and the West Indies. There were a total of six matches to be played by each team, and the top two from the group would qualify for the semi-finals.
India began the tournament by upsetting the West Indies in the very first group match, which set the tone for what was to come. India then beat Zimbabwe by five wickets. All was going well until the world came crashing down. Australia comprehensively beat India by 162 runs in the third game. India found life difficult as West Indies took revenge in the second round match.
The turnaround began with the second round match against Zimbabwe in 1983. Kapil Dev played perhaps the best ODI innings ever, to win a game in which India were reeling at 17 for five. India were energised. They played like champions from thereon. Australia were thumped in the next match, and India set up a semi-final clash with hosts England. Finalists in the previous edition, England were one of the pre-tournament favourites. However, India beat them by five wickets.
Then came the grand finale against the mighty Caribbean. West Indies were set a target of 184. It looked a breeze when Viv Richards was running away with the game. But the Indian bowlers came up with a sensational effort to bowl the West Indies out for 140. A four-match undefeated streak saw India succeed the West Indies as World Cup champions.
India began the tournament by upsetting the West Indies in the very first group match, which set the tone for what was to come. India then beat Zimbabwe by five wickets. All was going well until the world came crashing down. Australia comprehensively beat India by 162 runs in the third game. India found life difficult as West Indies took revenge in the second round match.
The turnaround began with the second round match against Zimbabwe in 1983. Kapil Dev played perhaps the best ODI innings ever, to win a game in which India were reeling at 17 for five. India were energised. They played like champions from thereon. Australia were thumped in the next match, and India set up a semi-final clash with hosts England. Finalists in the previous edition, England were one of the pre-tournament favourites. However, India beat them by five wickets.
Then came the grand finale against the mighty Caribbean. West Indies were set a target of 184. It looked a breeze when Viv Richards was running away with the game. But the Indian bowlers came up with a sensational effort to bowl the West Indies out for 140. A four-match undefeated streak saw India succeed the West Indies as World Cup champions.
